Top 12 winter walks in the East of England

Join us for a walk this winter and enjoy landscapes at their seasonal best. It’s the perfect time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and escape on an invigorating walk with friends and family.

Blakeney at sunset
Walking trail

Blakeney Freshes, Norfolk 

This walk through Blakeney village and around Blakeney Freshes is fantastic for spotting wildlife, especially birds. Keep an eye out for them on the grazing marshes and reed beds. The moderate walk means all the family can enjoy the fun.

Blakeney Freshes coastal walk
Blickling lake in winter
Walking trail

Blickling Estate, Norfolk 

The lake walk at Blickling is particularly atmospheric on a frosty winter’s morning, with the reflections and big open Norfolk skies providing plenty of opportunities for budding photographers. Afterwards you can head to Muddy Boots café for a warming drink and a slice of cake.

Blickling's lake walk
A frosty day on the downs
Walking trail

Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire 

Wrap up warm and be prepared to blow away the cobwebs with an exhilarating walk across the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside where you can see views of five counties. Stunning views (and a welcoming café) make this a perfect place to walk, whilst taking in wildlife and history of the popular chalk downs.

Dunstable Downs winter walk
Coastguard cottages with a frosty scene in the foreground
Walking trail

Dunwich Heath, Suffolk 

Dunwich Heath is a rare and precious habitat, home to special species such as Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark and ant-lion. This walk takes you around the perimeter of the heath, and afterwards you can cosy up by the log burner in the Old Coastguard Cottages tea room.

Dunwich's Mount Pleasant Farm walk
Herd of sheep grazing in the snow covered grounds of Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk.
Walking trail

Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk 

Nothing beats a crisp winter walk when you’re wrapped up warm against the chilly air. Along this varied circular walking trail at Felbrigg you’ll pass historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, notable trees, a hidden lake and an imaginatively planted arrangement of beech trees.

Felbrigg church and ice house walk
A view of the River Stour in winter
Walking trail

Flatford, Suffolk 

Explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale made famous by the 18th-century paintings of John Constable, England’s foremost landscape artist of the time. Take a walk along the river and through the meadows, returning to the cosy tearoom for a warming treat and mug of hot chocolate.

Flatford and Constable Country walk
View of the pond and estate covered in frost
Walking trail

Ickworth, Suffolk 

The south pleasure grounds have the most to offer for a great winter walk at Ickworth. Explore a mixture of open parkland and woodland glades, and take in the church, Walled Garden and obelisk monument. After your walk you can treat yourself to a warming drink in the restaurant.

Ickworth's south pleasure grounds
Sunset over the river orwell
Walking trail

Pin Mill, Essex 

Listen out for the noises from the river - from the clanging of boats, the work taking place in the boatyard or the calling of the birds from the shore. Mix that with the crisp winter air, as well as the frost and mist across the surrounding fields and the sunsets across the estuary.

Explore Pin Mill
Walking in a snowy valley at Sheringham Park
Walking trail

Sheringham Park, Norfolk 

Coastal views are central to landscape gardener Humphry Reptons 1812 design, with the winter light often showing them off at their best at this time of year. Climb to the top of the gazebo tower perched on the top of the oak wood hill for a panoramic view of the North Norfolk coastline.

Sheringham's woodland and coastal walk
Sutton Hoo burial mounds in the mist
Walking trail

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk 

Winter makes for uninterrupted views down to the River Deben and across to Woodbridge. Our high vantage point ensures there’s also no better place to watch the sunsets, even if it’s misty, there's something ethereal in exploring the burial mounds wrapped in thick fog and mystery.

Stroll around Sutton Hoo on a short walk
Wicken Fen - Konik ponies and horses in frost
Walking trail

Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire 

Wicken Fen is the place to enjoy spectacular winter landscapes, including the renowned sunsets in the vast fenland skies. Keep a look out for hen and marsh harriers, short-eared owls and Wicken’s herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies.

Wicken Fen wildlife walk
The parkland clothed in a winter frost
Walking trail

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire 

Wimpole has plenty of space to stretch your legs. Stride out across the park and meader your way to the iconic gothic folly or discover the woodland belts and wider farming countryside.

Wimpole folly and woodland belt walk
Did you know...

When you brave the cold, it helps us protect the countryside

Thanks to you, when you join, donate, visit or volunteer, your support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone.